Search Warrant Issued, Coal City Man Arrested On Drug Charges

Marijuana, Large Air Compressor & Drug Paraphernalia Found

by Travis Curry SEW Editor

A search warrant executed Tuesday at a home on rural Bethsedia Road led to the discovery of marijuana, some already cultivated and drying, as well as drug paraphernalia and a large air compressor that officers with the Owen County Sheriff's Department and Indiana Conservation identified as potentially stolen.

The property owner, 42-yearold Samuel P. Dawson of Coal City, was arrested and preliminarily charged with cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana over 30 grams, and possession of paraphernalia. He remains housed in the Owen County Security Center on a $145,000 bond.

Sheriff Chester Richardson III said Tuesday's drug-related arrest was another example of the sheriff's department working hand-in-hand with other agencies to suppress drug activity in the county.

"In July of this year, (another) investigation by detective (Bill) Snodgrass and deputy (Erich) Teuton resulted in the seizure of over 900 marijuana plants in southern Owen County," Richardson recalled.

Anyone with information about local criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Owen County Sheriff's Department at 829-4874 ext. 1. Tips can also be left anonymously on the OCSD tip line by calling 829-4874 ext. 50.